Holidays

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Holidays
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Rate this topic

Did you know? The character of Aunt Bethany is 80 years old in the film, and the actress Mae Questel was actually a famous voice actress for Betty Boop. elaborate

Fact 1 of 10

10 facts about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

  1. 1
    The classic glass moose mug seen in the film became so iconic that it is now sold as a popular Christmas kitchen item.
  2. 2
    The company Clark works for, the food preservative manufacturer, is a subtle jab at corporate life in the 1980s.
  3. 3
    The movie was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, marking his feature film directorial debut.
  4. 4
    Some viewers think the movie was the first of the series, but it is actually the third film, following Vacation and European Vacation.
  5. 5
    The interior of the Griswold house was a modular set, meaning the walls could be moved to accommodate the cameras.
  6. 6
    The sled used by Clark when he goes flying down the hill was lubricated with a special kitchen spray to make it go faster.
  7. 7
    The character of Aunt Bethany is 80 years old in the film, and the actress Mae Questel was actually a famous voice actress for Betty Boop.
  8. 8
    Johnny Galecki, who plays Rusty, went on to star in The Big Bang Theory and Roseanne, but he was only 14 when he filmed this movie.
  9. 9
    Chevy Chase actually punched the plastic Santa and reindeer decorations, and he ended up breaking his pinky finger during the take.
  10. 10
    The film was written by John Hughes and is based on his own short story Christmas '59, which was published in National Lampoon magazine.
Keep exploring

More in Holidays

A Christmas Carol
Rate this topic
Holidays
A Christmas Carol

The term Merry Christmas was already well-known, but the popularity of A Christmas Carol helped make the phrase a standard holiday greeting in the Victorian era. elaborate

The Nutcracker
Rate this topic
Holidays
The Nutcracker

In the original version of the story written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the Nutcracker had to fight a seven-headed Mouse King who wore seven golden crowns. elaborate

Home Alone
Rate this topic
Holidays
Home Alone

The iconic poster of Kevin screaming with his hands on his face was inspired by the famous expressionist painting The Scream by Edvard Munch. elaborate

Christmas Trees
Rate this topic
Holidays
Christmas Trees

In the early 1900s, some people were so worried about the fire hazards of real candles on trees that they tried to use slices of raw potatoes as candle holders, hoping the moisture would keep the branches from catching fire. elaborate

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Rate this topic
Holidays
The Nightmare Before Christmas

Even though many people assume Tim Burton directed the film because it is often marketed with his name, it was actually directed by Henry Selick, while Burton served as the producer and provided the original story and character designs. elaborate

Christmas Decorations
Rate this topic
Holidays
Christmas Decorations

The first artificial Christmas trees were not made of plastic, but of green-dyed goose feathers attached to wire branches. elaborate